Humidification

[larrynz]

Humidification Trial
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare

I was involved with a trial of a machine that allowed you to breathe warm humid air, for the period of the trial this was done 2 hours per day, it was a 12 month trial. The purpose of the trial being to keep the lungs clean and free of junk. I have just received the results. It shows the treatment group and the control group who had no machine.

Frequency of exacerbations
Treatment group 3.11
Control 3.69

Days in exacerbation
Treatment group 17.8
Control 30.9

It also showed the FEV1 & FVC improved for the treatment group, dropped for the control group.
The 6 minute walk test showed both groups had a tapering in distance, the treatment group dropped less, so every way it was possible to measure the treatment group faired better.
I was in the treatment group and have the use of a machine to this day. It sounds funny because like many others my breathing is worse on a humid day, but this is different because your body is not subjected to humid conditions.

[maryaz]

Hi LarryNZ; I am familiar with you and the study BUT, do you actually feel anything physically by using this opposed to not using it.

Does this also cause your nose to not be as dry from the o2.

Is it for just 2 hours per day because we could get too much humidity.

I sort of wonder if they go on with it, what are the 'big' selling points that can really be beneficial. Thanks,

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

That's great Larry; the difference in the number of "days in exacerbation" is substantial....almost half. I take it you are continuing to use it by choice.

I'm curious about your statement" but this is different because your body is not subjected to humid conditions." Is this becasue it's just your lungs exposed?

[Chad]

Hi Larry NZ; i was visiting and saw your post on this. i have a questin. Are you on oxygen? Sorry but i couldn't tell from the picture. If you are i'm interested to know if it's hooked up with it in some way. also; is it on the market yet anywhere?

Thank you
Chad

[larrynz]

www.fphcare.com/
The site above may help with questions, not sure what countries it is available, in New Zealand it is not for sale to the general public but is in use in hospitals.
I am not on oxygen but the machine has a place to connect it if required. My oxygen levels are 95 % at rest, 88% when active, say a 6 minute test.
Mary the big selling point would be it helps keep the lungs clear of mucous, which in turn improves breathing.
Jackie when we have a humid day, which is often in Auckland, the entire body is warm sticky and uncomfortable, I find this harder to breath in. By contrast this machine delivers humid air to the lungs only, at blood heat.
The bottom line I feel much better with it, not a cure for copd but it does help. I use it 2 hours a day, like right now while on the computer, or even a nap in my chair , once in a while I miss a day, not often, on those days I find I cough more before I can clear the junk .
If I have failed to answer a question please ask away.

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

So don't miss a day....:-)